French footballer Paul Pogba has been hit with a four-year ban for a doping offense, throwing his career into jeopardy. The 30-year-old Juventus midfielder tested positive for elevated testosterone levels in September 2023, leading to a provisional suspension.

Pogba, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, maintains his innocence and expressed shock and heartbreak at the decision. “Everything I have built in my professional career has been taken away from me,” he stated, vowing to appeal the verdict.

The positive test, confirmed by a second sample, resulted in the anti-doping prosecutor requesting a four-year suspension. Pogba contends the verdict is “incorrect” and claims he would “never knowingly or deliberately” dope. He intends to clear his name when “free of legal restrictions.”

Juventus received official notification of the ban on Thursday, but the club has yet to comment publicly. Pogba’s return to Turin after leaving Manchester United as a free agent was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just over two hours of playing time this season.

Testosterone, a banned substance, enhances athletic performance by increasing endurance. Italy’s National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) confirmed the presence of “prohibited non-endogenous testosterone metabolites,” indicating an external source.

This development adds another layer of complexity to Pogba’s already troubled recent years. Persistent injuries and inconsistent form had already cast a shadow over his career. The ban, if upheld, could effectively end his playing days, as he would be 33 upon his potential return in 2027.

The saga is far from over. Pogba’s appeal process holds the key to his future. Whether he can clear his name and salvage his career remains to be seen.